LeDomduVin: The usual suspect - Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Burgundy 2019

The usual suspect

Those who follow me know that I have opened this wine countless times over the last three years, hence my calling it “the usual suspect”!

What can I say? I love this wine; and it gets better every time I open it

Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Burgundy 2019

It is still a young wine, and over the last three years, it has gone through “open and closed” phases. Yet, this time again, it was open and delicious!

Right after opening, attractive, exuberant scents emanated from the bottle. Dense and bright ruby color in the glass. Beautiful wild red and dark cherry, floral, spicy, lightly oaky aromas combined with mineral and earthy nuances filled the room.

The palate is bright, juicy, complex, layered, rich, yet delicate, elegant, sophisticated, and superbly balanced between the fruit, the acidity, and the integrated tannins. The structured and textured mid-palate leads to the seamless and lingering finish, which immediately calls for another glass. I looooove this wine.

In a recent conversation with a customer, I explained that as a Sommelier, I look for the “Wow!” factor in a wine; this instant gratification and satisfaction that makes you want another glass as soon as you finish the first one.

I love buying, serving, and drinking these types of wine, especially when there is an excellent quality/price ratio.

Wine does not have to be expensive to be good. Plenty of “supposedly” premium wines and established brands, such as Chateaux and Domaines, sell lesser wines, especially in lesser vintages.

Despite the price they command, even DRC or Petrus makes wines that are not worth the cost in lesser years.

For me, whether it costs 10 or 1000 euros, good wine must give you instant satisfaction and gratification and make you want to drink more. And this “Clos de La Roche Vieilles Vignes” from Domaine Ponsot does just that!

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Latour 2005 vs Latour 2009

Latour 2005 vs Latour 2009

It is not every day that I open two bottles of the same Chateau in different vintages, especially one of my favorite First Growths.

Comparing two vintages of Chateau Latour, such as 2005 and 2009, is tricky as both have similarities. Yet, they are distinctively and intrinsically different.

Both were solar vintages with high temperatures and dry, hot growing seasons, which produced ripe, rich, layered, and concentrated wines.

These conditions could have resulted in high alcohol, unbalanced, or cooked wines.

Fortunately, some cool nights and enough rain at the right time provided juiciness, balance, and freshness while preventing drought and overripeness, resulting in wines combining complexity and depth with great aging potential.

Ultimately, 2005 was an excellent vintage that produced some fantastic wines, while 2009 is considered a legendary vintage that produced stellar wines.

This might explain the 200+ Euro price difference between the two. On Wine Searcher, Chateau Latour 2005 starts at around 680 Euros, and Latour 2009 starts at around 870 Euros, and it shows in the glass.

Although both displayed a dark color, undoubtedly due to their age difference, the aspect of the 2005 seemed lighter, more medium-deep ruby color with slightly more advanced nuances, while the 2009 was of a darker ruby red with some purple touch.

The difference between the two wines was quite significant on the nose. The 2005 was soft, gentle, discreet, and sophisticated. It displayed attractive aromas of red and dark berries, cassis, graphite, coffee, and licorice, with earthy, spicy, and floral hints. On the other hand, the 2009 was bold, powerful, and confident. It boasted dark berries, blackberries, and mocha aromas, with hints of toasted oak and chocolate.

These differences appeared even more evident on the palate. Although complex, balanced, sophisticated, and finely chiseled, the 2005 seemed lighter and dryer than the 2009, which was rich, opulent, juicy, and chewy. It had plenty of dark ripe fruits, excellent balance, and concentration, expanding nicely to the lingering finish.

I loved them both despite their differences, yet I found the 2009 more pleasurable to my palate. My advice: don’t open and drink them side by side, as it might alter your opinion about the 2005, which is also a superb wine yet slightly less expressive than its younger sibling.

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Chateau Calon Ségur Saint-Estèphe 2016

Chateau Calon Ségur Saint-Estèphe 2016

I first tasted Calon Segur in the early '90s at the restaurant where I worked (Le Relais de Compostelle, Pessac).

I must admit that I was not very fond of Saint-Estephe's wines then. They were always quite rustic, dry, and austere to my palate, with a soil-driven earthy taste, often backed up by astringent tannins.

Two Chateaux always seemed to come on top of this appellation and please my taste buds: Cos d’Estournel and Calon Segur. Calon being less expensive (on the wine list), I had more occasions to taste and serve it.

During my London years (1997-2002), Calon Segur was always mentioned in the wine lists of the various restaurants where I worked, but I did not sell or taste much of it, as my taste for Saint-Estephe’s wines had not changed much. I preferred to open wines from other Bordeaux appellations.

During the first five years of my New York years (2002-2011), I had the chance to come to Bordeaux every year to participate in the “En Primeurs,” visiting chateaux and tasting hundreds of wines for 8 to 10 days straight each time.

It allowed me to reconnect with the wines of Saint-Estephe, which had evolved into much fruitier, smoother, and more integrated wines compared to the 1990s. I rediscovered this appellation with a new perspective and enthusiasm, finding wines I previously “disliked” to be more to my liking.

Due to technical changes and improvements in vineyard and cellar management, Chateaux like Montrose, Phelan-Segur, and Lafon-Rochet, for example, became more fruit-forward, rounder, more approachable, less rustic, and less tannic. The 2000s saw a renewal of interest for Saint-Estephe wines.

The quality of Saint-Estephe wines has never ceased to increase ever since.

Château Calon Ségur 2016

This beautiful wine offers elegant aromas of ripe black fruits and spices with floral, mineral, earthy, and oaky nuances. Medium-bodied yet rich and generous, it is well-structured and fresh, with exceptional aging potential. Loved it.

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Chateau Cheval Blanc Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2018

Chateau Cheval Blanc 2018

The other day, I opened, tasted, and served this beauty of a wine. It was way too young, but what an incredible wine! 

It is almost a "sacrilege" to open such a young wine when you know it will definitely benefit from years, even decades, aging in the cellar. 

However, for some reason, I had been lurking at this bottle for a while and wanted to taste it. That night, I made up my mind and decided to open it for the host and his guest. 

What a coincidence when the guest arrived at the dinner with a bottle of Cheval Blanc 2011. I was like: "Wow, I must have read your mind, I opened a 2018 vintage for tonight!" Even the host was surprised by the coincidence. 

Once again, my instinct served me well, or the odds favored me. 😊👍🍷

2018 Chateau Cheval Blanc Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 

A blend of 54% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cheval Blanc is a stunning wine! Offering a combination of ripe dark fruits and floral and mineral scents mingling with earthy, spicy, and oaky notes. It is fresh, rich, fruity, complex, sophisticated, elegant, structured, and textured. Well-balanced between the ripeness and richness of the fruit, the complex aromas, the refreshing acidity, and the present yet integrated and velvety tannins, it expands generously from the juicy attack, leading to the layered mid-palate till the lingering finish. A superb wine with great aging potential for those patient enough to wait for it! 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom 

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LeDomduVin: Château Lafont Menaut Pessac-Léognan 2021

Château Lafont Menaut Pessac-Léognan 2021

I recently bought this lovely Pessac-Léognan from my local supermarket to try out a 2021 Bordeaux within a 15-20 Euro price range.

What a pleasant surprise! Kudos to Philibert Perrin, the chateau's owner, and his team.

Chateau Lafont Menaut is located about 5 km south of Chateau Carbonnieux, the Perrin family's most renowned property.

The land, acquired by the Perrin family in 1990, was once covered with trees. So, they embarked on a deforestation program and stumbled upon an old, abandoned washhouse, the Menaut fountain, which became the origin of the Château's name.

Philibert gradually took over and started planting vines in 1993. The vineyards now consist of 17 hectares of red grape varieties (50 % Cab Sauv, 45 % Merlot, and 5 % Cab Franc) and 4 hectares of white (100% Sauvignon Blanc). Until 2000, Philibert made the wine at his brother Eric’s property, Chateau Haut-Vigneau.

In 2000, Philibert started the construction of the operating buildings: a vat room, barrel cellars, and living quarters. Construction ended in 2017 with the addition of a wine center and a tasting room. The final blend usually reflects the percentage of the planted grape varieties. Aging lasts about 12 months in French oak barrels, of which 30% are new.

So, why “a very pleasant surprise”? 

Well, ending a trilogy of great vintages (2018, 2019, and 2020), 2021 was a challenging vintage in Bordeaux, as producers had to battle frost, millerandage, and mildew. Chateau Lafont Menaut lost half of its production that year.

However, some very good wines were made with careful viticulture, hard work, and decisions and actions at crucial moments. Lafont Menaut is a very good example.

Chateau Lafont Menaut 2021

Intense, opaque, and deep color. Ripe dark cherry and red fruit aromas on the nose, with earthy, spicy, oaky notes and slightly smoky nuances. Tight, dark, and ripe, right after opening, after a few minutes and swirls in the glass, the palate offered a more gentle profile: round, fleshy, firm, yet fresh and juicy, with earthy and smoky notes. Nicely done!

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Tentenublo Escondite del Ardacho "El Abundillano" Single Vineyard Rioja DOCa Spain 2019

Tentenublo Escondite del Ardacho "El Abundillano" Single Vineyard Rioja DOCa Spain 2019

The other day, I returned to Bayfare Social in Rosewood (HK) to serve the wines for a private dinner.

Bayfare Social is a Spanish restaurant with a relaxed, cozy atmosphere and a convivial vibe. I love their food, inspired by classic Spanish tapas and pinchos dishes.

After finishing my job for the night, I treated myself to a well-deserved dinner at the bar counter since I didn't have the chance to eat earlier.

I went for two of my favorites on their menu: the "Calamares a la Andaluza" (fried squid, parsley, and Aioli) and the "Hovos Rotos" (Iberico Ham, fried potato, Spanish egg, and Aioli). 

I wanted a glass of Rioja wine to accompany these dishes, so I asked for the "Artadi" they usually offer by the glass. Yet, they were out of it, so I asked the bartender if he had another Rioja by the glass, and he generously poured me a glass of this Rioja I had never heard of before. It was a pleasant surprise, as the wine tasted great and paired well with the food. 

 

Tentenublo Escondite del Ardacho "El Abundillano" Single Vineyard Rioja DOCa Spain 2019

As an “old school” Sommelier and a Rioja wine lover for 30 years, I usually like my Rioja made with a majority of Tempranillo. Yet, I’m always eager to taste and learn about wine I have never tried before.

This Rioja is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Tempranillo, and 10% Malvasia. The color is intense, dark, and opaque. The nose displays incentive aromas of ripe black cherry mingling with licorice, mocha, and earthy notes. The palate is generous, complex, ample, coating, structured, juicy, and well balanced by good acidity between the ripeness of the fruit, the tannins, and the 15.5% alcohol. It offers plenty of texture and chewiness while remaining fresh, with a lovely mineral and saline touch in the long finish. Loved it.

Tiny production: 1300 bottles or less.

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Chateau Latour Pauillac 2015

Château Latour Pauillac 2015

I recently opened a few bottles of this particular wine for 2 different dinners, and it showed wonderfully after about 2 hours of decanting. Still young, with some present yet integrated tannins that will need a bit more time to mellow down. Beyond its attractive aromas of red and dark cherries and berries mixed with notes of licorice, coffee, and leather mingling with earthy and oaky nuances, it boasts an impressive complexity, structure, and texture. The palate is rich, opulent, and layered, expanding nicely till the lingering finish. Although really approachable now, it deserves a few more years of cellaring to fully express itself and its full potential. Looooooooooove it.

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom

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LeDomduVin: 3 better than 2...

3 better than 2…

For certain things in life, it is said, “One is not enough, and three is too many!” 😉😄😅

However, 3 bottles may not be enough when it comes to wine.

Cheval Blanc Saint Emilion 2018

A blend of 54% Merlot, 40% Cab Franc, and 6% Cab Sauv, lovely scents emanate at the opening, filling the air with ripe red and black berries aromas, complemented with floral, autumnal, and tobacco notes. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is rich, ample, graceful, generous, and layered, with ripe fruit and silky texture. The present but integrated tannins provide excellent structure. It expands nicely from the attack to the long finish. Its welcomed freshness and seamless profile help to compensate for its ripeness and 14.5% alcohol. Complex, elegant, charming, and already enjoyable now, it will reward those who wait for it a little.

Mouton Rothschild Pauillac 2016

Served after the fuller and richer Cheval Blanc 2018, Mouton 2016 appeared relatively flat and inexpressive. Was it its regular 13.5% alcohol, compared to the overwhelming 14.5% of the Saint Emilion? It showed better after a while, boasting dark berries aromas mixed with floral and herbal scents and forest floor, earthy nuances. A blend of 83% Cab Sauv, 15% Merlot, 1% Cab Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, this is an elegant, vibrant, fresh, medium-bodied, and earthy wine with a delicate and aromatic profile, a lovely mineral, silky texture, and a good (if light) overall structure. Still, it lacks length on the finish, as it vanishes too quickly for such a good vintage and pedigree. Will it develop? Time will tell!  

Vieux Chateau Certan Pomerol 2016

A blend of 85% Merlot, 14% Cab Sauv, and 1% Cab Franc, VCC 2016 is a beautiful wine. Boasting attractive crushed red berries, licorice, graphite, and mineral aromas with gentle earthy and oaky nuances. The palate combines elegance, richness, complexity, ripeness, freshness, texture, and structure, framed by chewable tannins, providing excellent substance and subsistence, greatly expanding from the lovely attack to the long finish. It is focused, profound, complex, layered, and sophisticated; with this tastefully enjoyable impression, you could masticate it like one of your favorite steak cuts. I love the chewiness of this wine. Then again, VCC is one of my favorite wines ever! 

Cheers! Santé!

Dom  

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LeDomduVin: Bigger and taller bottles don’t always have the biggest corks!

Size does matter… 

but bigger and taller bottles don’t always have the biggest corks! 😉😄🤣👍🍷

Sorry, I couldn’t resist. That’s the first thing that came to my mind when I served these bottles the other day, and put their corks side by side. 😉😄🤣

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom 

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LeDomduVin: MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS

 

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

& HAPPY HOLIDAYS

by @ledomduvin 2023

May this holiday season bring you joy and happiness shared with family, friends, and loved ones.

The inspiration for this illustration came from recent articles about the trend of decreased alcohol consumption, particularly red wine, and the rise of non-alcoholic drinks.

Times have changed, and newer generations are less interested in drinking alcohol.

However, I wish you a blessed Christmas and a refreshing holiday season.

In the meantime, I'm going down to the cellar to get a bottle of red wine. 😁👍🍷

Cheers! Santé! And Merry Christmas!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #christmas #merrychristmas #holiday #holidayseason #wine

#vin #vino #wein #redwine #alcoholfree #nonalcoholic #timeshavechanged #newgeneration

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LeDomduVin: Wine in Museum

 

Wine in Museum

by @ledomduvin 2023

Over the past few years, there has been a growing trend among Millennials and Gen Z to consume non-alcoholic beverages.

According to the press, magazines, and social media, wine, beer, spirits, and other alcoholic beverages are now considered "cringe", "trashy", and "uncool".

It has been observed that the consumption of wine, particularly red wine, has been decreasing globally over the past few years.

Recent studies and articles in the wine press suggest that in France alone, the consumption of red wine has fallen by 32% compared to a decade ago.

It is sad news for me as a Gen X Sommelier and Wine Buyer.

It inspired me to create this illustration of "Wine" in a museum to depict the uncertain future of wine.

Just keep drinking in moderation. No need to binge on it.

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #museum #wineinmuseum #winefuture #redwine #sommelier #winebuyer #genx #genz #millennials #boomers #wineconsumption #thefutureofwine
#nonalcoholic #beverage

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LeDomduVin: Pomerol Trio

Pomerol Trio

These 3 wines tasted great at the UGCB HK 2023. They represent the diversity of the "terroirs" of Pomerol. Each has their own character and personality while still uniquely expressing Pomerol.

Pomerol is Bordeaux's smallest Appellation, with about 150 producers and approximately 750 hectares of vineyards, and yet it is probably one of the most prestigious, especially on the Right Bank.

Receiving its AOC status in 1936 as part of the first wave of AOC established by the INAO ("Institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité," previously called "Institut National des Appellations d'Origine"), the Appellation rose to fame in the second half of the twentieth century, with a handful of wines led by "Petrus".

Although Pomerol wines may command high prices in the wine market, there is no official classification for them, unlike the classified growths of Bordeaux.

The wines of Pomerol are produced predominately from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, planted on sandy clay marl layered with gravel for most of the Pomerol plateau.

Within the Pomerol region, a small area of about 20 hectares is known as the "bouttonière" ("buttonhole"). This area is unique because it contains blue clay (called "molasse") that sits on a band of sand rich in iron deposits known as "crasse de fer" or "machefer".

Map courtesy of Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGCB)

Petrus vineyards cover over half of the hectares of this unique soil, imparting complexity and depth to its wine. However, other châteaux such as La Conseillante, L'Évangile, Lafleur, @chateaugazin, Trotanoy, Clinet, Le Gay, Haut Ferrand, and Vieux Château Certan also have small portions of their vineyards benefiting from this soil.

There is another boutonniere of blue clay without iron deposits located northwest of Petrus. Vineyards planted on this second boutonniere include Chateau L'Eglise-Clinet, Clos L'Eglise, @chateaulacabanne, Nenin, and Trotanoy.

Although @chateaulebonpasteur is planted on clay gravel, gravel, and sand, its quality is undeniable and often matches its neighboring "blue clay" peers.

Drink Pomerol!

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #pomerol #bordeaux #sommelier #lacabanne #lebonpasteur #gazin #sommlife #redwine

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LeDomduVin: Chateau Calon Ségur 2016

Chateau Calon Ségur Saint Estephe 2016

Although too young, the vintage 2016 in Bordeaux is a beauty and drinks delightfully now for those who cannot wait. 

Yet, some are still tight and deserve a few more years (or even decades) to reach their opening window. That was the case for Chateau L'Evangile 2016, which I opened recently (see previous post). It is a superb wine but way too young to be opened now. 

Others are already opened and ready to drink, like Chateau Figeac 2016, which I also opened recently. Wow! What a wine! I loved it! It could be a phase, as it could close again for a few more years. Who knows? Yet, for now, it tasted amazing. 

And some are in-between, like this Chateau Calon Segur 2016. 

Though shy and subdued on the nose, it still timidly revealed red and black berries and ripe plum aromas with earthy and floral notes mingling with coffee, chocolate, and oaky nuances.

The palate is also quite shy, medium to full-bodied. Elegant and well-crafted, it is balanced with ripe fruit, an earthy grainy texture, integrated yet present tannins, and enough acidity to keep it fresh. Overall, it has a very good structure, nicely expanding with dense ripe black fruits, earth, and minerals toward the finish. Nice overall!

I liked it a lot, as it was enjoyable. Yet, it is in a transition period now. Not fully expressing itself and not fully harmonized and integrated either. It is hesitant to reveal its full potential just yet while still giving hints of how "grand" it will be at a later stage in the years to come. 

That said, I found it true that Saint-Estephe wines usually take longer to integrate, loosen their tight tannins and earthy soil-oriented grainy texture, and open compared to their neighboring appellations cousins. 

Give it some time in the cellar; it should reward you plenty once it has reached its opening tasting window. 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @chateaucalonsegur #calonsegur #wine #vin #vino #wein #saintestephe #bordeaux #redwine #lesphotosadom #tastingnotes #sommelier #sommlife #sommelierlife #ilovemyjob

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LeDomduVin: Chateau Figeac Saint-Emilion 2016

Chateau Figeac Saint Émilion 2016

Wow! Now that’s my kind of wine! Combining elegance and sophistication with complexity and character, perfect balance, harmony, integration, great freshness, juiciness, silky texture, beautiful structure from beginning to end, and offering plenty of freshly crushed red fruits and berries mingling earthy, mineral and integrated oaky notes. The lingering seamless finish is a statement of how good this wine is. Looooved it. 

It is a bit sentimental between Figeac and me as Figeac was the godfather chateau of my Sommelier Certification year in 1997. I have always loved Figeac ever since. Yet, I must admit it has been a really long time since I’ve tasted a Figeac this great! Highly recommended! 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom 

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LeDomduVin: Chateau L'Evangile Pomerol 2016

Chateau l’Evangile Pomerol 2016

Beyond its dark, opaque robe, it displayed aromas of dark fruits and berries mingling with earthy, smoky, peppery and oak nuances. The palate is also very dark, a bit tight right now, offering great concentration and density, packed with the same flavours as on the nose. This is a solid wine, strongly built, rich and opulent, intense, bold, layered, with great structure and texture, enough acidity to balance the ripe dark fruits and the firm grip of tannins. The lingering finish presents a lot of dark matter combined with earthiness, pepperiness, spiciness and tar smokiness. 

Although it mellowed down after being decanted for one hour before serving, it was still tight. Only half of the bottle was consumed. I served the rest of the bottle the day after, and it was much more approachable, proof of its youth and tremendous potential to age for decades to come. I enjoyed it very much, yet it is too young, in my opinion, and deserves to be cellared for a few more years to loosen a bit and offer an even better experience. Despite being a bit too young for now, this is a magnificent wine! 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom

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LeDomduVin: The 5 medals wine

The 5 medals wine

The other day, I went to my local supermarket to buy some groceries, and, as usual, I browsed around the wine selection. Suddenly, my eye caught an insane deal: 1 Chateau Lussan Cuvée Réserve 2018 for HKD 68 (about 8 Euros) or 3 bottles for HKD 120 (about 14 Euros).

As I always say: “I buy, open, and serve the best and most expensive wines in the world at work, but I drink the cheap ones at home.”

(NB: Put your kids in an international school, pay for the school and rent yourself in Hong Kong, and you'll understand why I drink cheap wines at home 😅😅😅).

I had never tried Chateau Lussan before, but being a Bordeaux native used to the taste of inexpensive Bordeaux, how bad could it be? Especially for such a good deal. And if it was bad, I would not regret it much, as usually HKD 120 is the price I pay for one bottle.

Yet, what surprised me the most was that this little wine boasted five medals on its label. Not one or two, five!!!

It was so intriguing I had to buy it. Not because it had 5 medals, as I do not trust these medals that you can now see everywhere, and often do not mean much, and do not necessarily reflect the quality of the wine either (*).

I bought it because I had to taste it to understand why it got five medals and if it was justified. So, I took the deal and left the supermarket with my 3 bottles. I was proud of myself and eager to open one as soon as I arrived home.

Surprisingly enough, the wine was not bad, not bad at all, especially at this price. Is it worth five medals? Not sure. Yet, the quality/price ratio helped get them, for sure.

It is a nice, quaffable Bordeaux wine, well-balanced, presenting satisfying red and dark fruit aromas and flavours, generous without being heavy or rich, yet structured and complex enough to give you something to chew on at this price. Even the finish is king of lingering. At this price, it is a steal. I will surely buy some more.

The moral of the story is that wine medals usually don't mean much, but sometimes they do!

And in an ocean of cheap Bordeaux wines that have difficulty selling, they might even mean something sometimes!

Santé!

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Haut-Brion 2016

Haut-Brion 2016, what else? 

If you have been following me for a while, you've surely realized that I'm a bit biased when it comes to Haut-Brion. 

What can I say? It is my favourite wine, after all. 

And I'm always the first to say that Haut-Brion should be open for a while. Especially so young. As it is a wine that opens up and gains in complexity with time. 

Rewarding the most patients of us with an array of enticing earthy aromas and flavours, structure and texture, elegance, balance and sophistication, heavenly delivered with grace and power and expanding to the seamless finish. 

And yet, I was not patient enough to wait for this gem to reach its optimum taste and age. 

The 2016 Haut-Brion is a masterpiece with gorgeous fruits, refreshing acidity, great balance, excellent structure, a long finish and a good grip of integrated tannins that will mellow down with time. 

Decanted about 1 hour before serving, it showed wonderfully. Yet, it will have benefited from a few more hours to really display its full potential. 

In my 32-year career as a Sommelier and Wine Buyer, I have never been disappointed by Haut-Brion, and this 2016 is no exception to the rule. 

It is delightful now, yet it obviously has the potential to age a decade or two in the cellar. 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom 

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LeDomduVin: Autoportrait

Autoportrait with the last light of a beautiful sunset over Victoria Harbour 

When I look at these pictures (just taken by a colleague at the restaurant where I’m doing the service tonight), I realise that I am getting older. 

50 years old already. Time flies. 😁👍🍷

About to open this bottle of Calon Ségur 2016

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom (aka Ledomduvin aka Dominique Noël) 

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LeDomduVin: Chateau de Reignac Grand Vin de Reignac 2015

Chateau de Reignac 

Grand Vin de Reignac 2015 

Opened a few weeks ago while on vacation in Bordeaux with the kids. I wanted to try it to see how it evolved since I bought it a few years earlier. 

It showed potential, yet I found it still too young to deliver it fully. But it was my mistake, as I opened it and poured it directly into the glass, while it would have definitely benefited from a good hour or two of decantation. Moreover, it was not properly stored at my father's house, where it suffered from light and temperature fluctuations. 

However, I still enjoyed it. 

The nose offered intense dark, fruity, and warm oaky aromas. Displaying dark cherry, plum, cassis and liquorice mingled with oaky, earthy, and spicy notes. The palate was quite intense, generous, rich, full, and balanced, with a nice silky texture. Offering plenty of dark fruits, earth, spice, oak, and mineral nuances expanding from the attack to the finish. Tannins were fine and integrated, yet still quite firm, bringing a backbone structure and ageing potential. The finish was quite long and persistent. 

I enjoyed it, yet I would advise giving it a few more years stored in proper condition. It will reward those who will have the patience to wait for it a little longer. 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom 

NB: Thank you, Nicolas and the Vatelot Family, for your wines. 

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LeDomduVin: Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2019

Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2019

Opened 2 days ago for a private dinner, at the same time as the Batard-Montrachet from Jean-Noel Gagnard, about 1 hour prior, guests arrived. 

Attractive bright robe. The nose was initially shy, reserved and subdued, with fresh, earthy aromas of wild red cherries and some flower and herbal nuances. 

As I swirled my glass, the cellar temperature gradually changed to room temperature, allowing for a better expression of the aromas, which now seemed riper, almost candied, mingling with plummy, peppery, spicy and earthy notes. 

The palate was tight, too tight, maybe. Surely a sacrilege to open such a young wine with such potential, yet I could not resist the temptation when I made the selection for that night's dinner. 

The palate was delicate, refined and elegant but tight and light, almost lacking substance, weight and concentration. And yet, it was so beautifully balanced, textured and structured, with great acidity and a long, persistent finish. 

Very complex in a very subtle, light and earthy way at first. And yet, again, I could sense that it would open up, flesh out and be more ready within the next 2 hours. 

And it did. It was beautiful, graceful, dense, long, layered, and rich without being heavy. Savoury and earthy. It just needed some time to express itself. Loved it. 

It is not the first time I have had this impression of lightness, tightness and earthiness at opening with this producer. Ponsot only rewards the most patient of us. 

Those who know patience is a virtue never rush a great wine in its youth. 

Cheers! Santé!

Dom 

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